Quality 1911 Starter

[SDM44]

On a budget - RIA(can be found new around $400)

A bit more - Springfield(I just bought a brand new stainless milspec for $650)

and a bit more than that Kimber(start around $750)

I've owned all 3 of the above.... RIA Tactical .45 1911, Springfield TRP .45 1911, and a Kimber TLE/RL .45 1911.

IMO, they're all good in their own way, and any of them would be great as a 1911 starter. IMO, the TRP is just a much better quality gun than the other 2, due to the fit & finish. I can shoot very accurately with this gun. But that's not the say the same about the Kimber or RIA. Both are also very good guns.

The RIA's main downfall is the finish, as it can mar & scratch pretty easily. Also the slide did feel a little bit looser on the frame compared to the Kimber and Springfield, but it didn't affect my shooting. The Kimber is a step up and a lot nicer when in your hands, but after going to the TRP then you realize that there's a difference in quality between the TLE/RL and the TRP.

[surfcitydude]

I just bought a Colt XSE ss as my first 1911. Still in my waiting period by for me, there was only one choice, get the one that will always be in the top, get a Colt.

[Ricky-Ray]

Start with something simple like a Springfield GI Mil Spec. Shoot it some and then see what you want to mod. You might even like it the way it is.

I bought my SA GI Mil Spec and the only thing I've ever done to it is change the factory grips to Hogue rubber grips and I like the just the way it is.

[Sunday]

No on the Kimber.,spotty quality MIM parts. Springfield maybe. Dan Wesson Great. One thing with 1911s is the more they cost the better they work.

[fullspeed1]

Disregard Sundays nonsensical remarks regarding Kimber's quality. It's Just more senseless factless bantering. The Internet is full of morons.

[billybob_jcv]

LOL - I like the logic - would it be better if they worked worse the more you spent?

Yeah, yeah I know - it would be better if they were made by a company that started with a G and rhymed with flock...

[alex45auto]

Any 1911 that doesn't have a firing pin safety or doesn't have a cast frame and slide....I guess RIAs (cast frame and slide) and Kimber IIs (firing pin safety) are out. Kimber Gen I is fine (no firing pin safety). Prefer SAs or series 70 Colt.

[PRCABR4Christ]

Disregard Sundays nonsensical remarks regarding Kimber's quality. It's Just more senseless factless bantering. The Internet is full of morons.

don't disregard completely, most production guns have MIM parts, some production guns (Colts not excluded) have "plastic" (polymer, but it's all plastic to me) parts as well (MSH's usually)...the higher the price, the less MIM and plastic parts you'll find...

IMO nothing is wrong with most of the 1911's out there (depending on what you want to do with it), but if you want to build a better gun, start with a good foundation such as Springfield or Colt

[Junkie]

LOL - I like the logic - would it be better if they worked worse the more you spent?

Yeah, yeah I know - it would be better if they were made by a company that started with a G and rhymed with flock...

In some cases - 1911s included - more money gets you something that works better, but requires more maintenance. It's rare that more money gets you something that works better with no disadvantages.

[PRCABR4Christ]

In some cases - 1911s included - more money gets you something that works better, but requires more maintenance. It's rare that more money gets you something that works better with no disadvantages.

all 1911's require the same maintenance, whether you have a $3k Wilson or a $300 American Classic, they both need springs and lube

[Lumpia is sarap!®]

A Colt.

[Junkie]

all 1911's require the same maintenance, whether you have a $3k Wilson or a $300 American Classic, they both need springs and lube

What will start having issues cycling first due to being filthy? I understand that both need to be cleaned, but a tighter fit more accurate gun will generally need it first.


And... is there seriously a $300 1911?

[PRCABR4Christ]

What will start having issues cycling first due to being filthy? I understand that both need to be cleaned, but a tighter fit more accurate gun will generally need it first.


And... is there seriously a $300 1911?

I'm pretty sure the American Classic goes for around $350, RIA's for $400, not too far off...

As far as issues cycling, I have some tightly fit guns that have no problem, I don't cover them with mud and sand before I shoot them though, if you plan on getting mud and sand in your gun, you should probably buy a Colt that rattles so there's plenty of room for all that gunk

I guess it just depends how filthy you're talking...my RIA which is tighter than my Colts runs well just as long as I use quality mags, my Colts run with anything, my higher end guns run with quality mags, and all of them can be run for 1k rounds a day with no failures, all they need is lube

[Dhena81]

I just use a holster to keep out the debris I guess to each his own.

Are smiths working on RIA's now?

My vote goes for Colt, SA, Sig, or S&W for a starter. There are so many tweaks that can be done to a 1911 that you really need to be a picky and very experienced shooter to appreciate or even think about its crazy.

[Colt]

I suggest to get the original Colt.

Yup. The first 1911 for a first 1911 is a good idea.